Triathlons are thrilling and challenging multi-sport events that combine swimming, cycling, and running and while the excitement, and sense of accomplishment, that comes with completing a triathlon are unparalleled, it's vital to prioritize safety in both training and the event itself.
Participants must ensure the Group Leader is aware if they:
- Have an injury or medical condition, either before the start of the session or during.
- Leave the group for any reason during the session.
- Notice any hazards or incidents that may have an impact on themselves or other athletes during the session.
Group Leader to:
- Warm up the group sufficiently for the session.
- Check reflective/hi-visibility tops during darkness – September to April – as applicable.
- Group Leader to carefully monitor participants for difficulties.
If a participant is injured then, dependent upon the session type and type and severity of injury, either:
- They watch the session until it is complete, or
- They return to the training meeting place in the company of a Member, not involved in monitoring the session, or other participant, or
- If required, an ambulance is called and at least two people stay with them until the ambulance has arrived and they have been informed they are no longer required.
The Group Leader in charge of the session is responsible for ensuring that an Incident Report Form is completed to ensure all the details of the incident have been recorded correctly, including any witness statements.
The Incident Report Form must be passed to the Safety Officer with any additional information and documentation to ensure all actions have been carried out. This is a requirement for the following reasons:
- Hazard identification.
- Possible legal implications or the Club.
- If the injured party has long term or subsequent health problems that are a result of the accident.
The Safety Officer will follow up as required.
The following guidelines must be adhered to by all members:
- All participants must be current Members of the Club and hold a Training or Race Licence.
- Participants must wear a wetsuit, swimming googles, bright swim hat and floatation device at all Club Open Water Sessions – floatation device to be put on before entering the water.
- Participants must notify the Session Coach / Leader in advance of any medical conditions.
- Session Coach / Leader has sole discretion in determining whether a participant is able to participate in the Session having regard to ability, safety and behaviour.
- Session Coach / Leader will ensure that everyone knows their role in the event of an emergency including the protocol to be followed in the event that someone needs assistance – this will follow the Emergency Action Plan for Open Water Swim Sessions at Tarmonbarry Harbour.
- Participants will be required to complete a standard warm up / stretching routine prior to entering the water.
- Participants will be advised by the Session Coach / Leader where to enter and exit the water, what direction to swim, and any tidal or safety information relevant to the Session.
As much of this information will be provided in the Advance Session Information issued in advance of the Session. - There will a Spotter on shore with Hi Viz, whistle and phone.
- Kayak cover will be provided according to the Triathlon Ireland safety ratios.
- First Aid cover will be provided.
- All participants will be counted in and out of the water.
- Participants should arrive promptly.
Extract from Guide to Cycling on the Road by Cycling Ireland.
- A cyclist should know the Rules of the Road and should understand signs and road markings.
- Every cyclist should start a cycle by performing four checks – helmet, clothes, bike and conditions. Done in less than a minute, each one adds to safety on the road.
- Correct road positioning is vital to ensure that other road users are aware of a cyclist and this can vary from being on the left side (but not in the gutter) of a wide, fast moving road, to keeping to the middle of the lane on a narrow, winding, back road to prevent dangerous overtaking. At all times, a cyclist should be where other road users can clearly see them, should cycle steadily and consistently, and should occupy the position that is SAFEST for them.
- Visibility is always key on the road – this means always being sure to wear bright colours and supplement with Hi-Viz (vests, bands, belts, bag covers etc.).
- A cyclist should always cycle well within the limits of their vision – this means slowing into corners, allowing for poor weather such as fog, mist and rain, and slowing down at night where vision and visibility is compromised.
- A cyclist needs to know the road and the weather and needs to constantly adapt their cycling to allow for both these factors in combination.
- A cyclist always needs to keep a Safe Stopping Distance – this is the space between the bike and whatever is ahead on the road – it varies according to speed and conditions.
- A cyclist should always LOOK and consider a SIGNAL before moving position on the road – with only time for one or the other, LOOK to be sure not to move into danger.
- A cyclist should NEVER go up the path side of a large vehicle (bus or lorry) even if there is a bike lane there – wait until it turns or drives away.
- In stopped or slow-moving traffic, a cyclist should watch out for drivers from the opposing lane turning across the road, through the queue of traffic – they may not anticipate or see the cyclist.
- A cyclist should always watch out for opening doors when passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles.
- Crossing rail tracks poses a real danger for cyclists. To avoid getting a wheel caught, cross the tracks at an angle (90 degrees) and avoid braking on them, as they can be hazardous, especially in wet weather.
The Rules of the Road apply to all road users – in general terms, for cyclists, this means:
- Having a bike that is in proper working order and that fits.
- ALWAYS stopping at a red traffic light.
- ALWAYS stopping at a STOP sign and yielding appropriately at a YIELD sign.
- ALWAYS stopping at pedestrian facilities (Zebra crossings, pedestrian lights etc.) if someone is crossing.
- ALWAYS cycling in the same direction as the rest of the traffic (i.e. on the left) when on the road or a bike lane.
- ALWAYS obey lane markings, unbroken centre lines cannot be crossed.
- ALWAYS use hand signals to indicate your intentions.
- Only cycling on the path if there is a suitable bike facility there.
- When turning left, giving way to pedestrians who have started to cross the road.
- Stopping and pulling in to use a mobile phone.
- Cycling no more than two abreast, and, keeping to single file to facilitate flow of other vehicles in traffic, unless it is safer to prevent an overtake where the road is narrow, or there are parked vehicles causing a narrowing effect.
- Beware of cars, cyclists, pedestrians, animals, uneven ground, potholes, slippery surfaces, debris, loose stones on pathways, ditches and streams.
- Warn participants of obstacles on route.
- Keep large groups off unpaved roads; especially if runners have different abilities.
- If terrain unsuitable, snow, ice etc, abandon run and return to meeting point if conditions are deemed unsafe by the Group Leader